Collapsible Target Bag

ABSTRACT

A bag target and a method of manufacturing the bag target configured to substantively decrease in size for storage, shipment and/or display. The bag target is further configured to absorb and dissipate essentially all of the kinetic energy of a high energy projectile such as an arrow or a crossbow bolt.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/356,406 filed Nov. 18, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/258,106 filed Nov. 20, 2015, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant disclosure relates to a bag target. In particular, the disclosure pertains to a collapsible bag target for archery, and to a method of manufacturing the bag target.

BACKGROUND

Bag targets used in archery come in many shapes and sizes. A bag target is intended to be a low cost option for archery. Typically, a bag target includes a burlap or other suitable bagging that is stuffed with a filler. Such bag targets are relatively voluminous because of the volume of air between the filler that is loosely stuffed into the bag. Consequently, bag targets require “extra” space or room for storage, shipping and display, which affects the associated costs.

Therefore, there exists a need for a bag target that provides an effective stopping power for a high energy projectile, e.g., an arrow or a crossbow bolt, while also minimizing the cost for storage, shipping and display.

SUMMARY

A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a bag target includes providing a filler, providing a filler bag, filling the filler bag with the filler, sealing the filler bag with the filler disposed therewithin, providing an impermeable bag, placing the sealed filler bag inside the impermeable bag, evacuating at least some air from the filler, the filler bag, and the impermeable bag, and thereafter hermetically sealing the impermeable bag with the filler bag disposed therewithin.

A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a bag target includes providing a filler, providing an impermeable bag, filling the impermeable bag with the filler, evacuating at least some air from the filler and from the impermeable bag, and thereafter hermetically sealing the impermeable bag with the filler disposed therewithin.

A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a bag target includes a sealed filler bag having a filler disposed therewithin, wherein the bag target dissipates essentially all of the kinetic energy of a projectile penetrating the filler bag.

A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a bag target includes a filler disposed within a hermetically sealed impermeable bag, wherein the bag target dissipates essentially all of the kinetic energy of a projectile penetrating the hermetically sealed impermeable bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a bag target in its natural state;

FIG. 2 illustrates a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a bag target;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a hermetically sealed impermeable bag containing the bag target of FIG. 1 after at least some air has been evacuated from therewithin; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of evacuating at least some air from the bag target.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more non-limiting embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are designated by like numerals. It should be clearly understood that there is no intent, implied or otherwise, to limit the disclosure in any way, shape or form to the illustrated and described embodiments. While multiple exemplary embodiments are described, variations thereof will become apparent or obvious. Accordingly, any and all variants for providing functionalities similar to those of the described embodiments are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a bag target 10, and FIG. 2 illustrates a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a method 20 of manufacturing the bag target 10, including preparing the bag target 10 for storage, shipment, and display. In some embodiments, the bag target 10 is defined at least in part by a sealed filler bag having a filler disposed therewithin.

Beginning at step 22, the method 20 of manufacturing the bag target 10 includes providing, at 24, a filler for use in the bag target 10, and providing, at 26, a filler bag which will, at least partially, define an outer shell of the bag target 10. Next, at 28, the filler bag is filled with the filler and, at 30, the filler bag is sealed to retain or contain the filler therewithin. Then, at 32, an impermeable bag is provided and, at 34, the sealed filler bag, with the filler disposed and sealed therewithin, is placed within the impermeable bag. Next, at 36, at least some air is evacuated from the filler, the filler bag and the interior of the impermeable bag. Thereafter, at 38, the impermeable bag is hermetically sealed to retain or contain the sealed filler bag disposed therewithin, and considered ready, at 40, for storage, shipment, and display. The hermetically sealed impermeable bag inhibits air from entering the impermeable bag, the sealed filler bag disposed therewithin, and the filler sealed within the filler bag.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, evacuating or extracting at least some air from the interior of the impermeable bag will create at least a partial vacuum therewith, and will therefore also draw out at least some air from within the filler bag and from the filler as well. Accordingly, evacuating any air from one or more of the filler, the filler bag, and the interior of the impermeable bag will, at least partially, decrease the amount of space occupied by that component. Consequently, the amount of space required for, or occupied by, the hermetically sealed impermeable bag containing the filler bag with the filler sealed therewithin, will be at least somewhat less than if no air had been evacuated or extracted from the filler, the filler bag, and the impermeable bag. FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a hermetically sealed impermeable bag 50 containing the bag target 10 after at least some air has been evacuated from therewithin.

In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the impermeable bag, and more specifically the interior of the impermeable bag, is subjected to at least a partial vacuum. Since techniques, equipment and methods for creating vacuum are well known in the art, related detailed description is considered not necessary.

In certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments, at least some air is extracted by compressing the impermeable bag with the sealed filler bag disposed therewithin. It will be apparent that compressing the impermeable bag from the exterior will also compress the sealed filler bag within the impermeable bag and the filler sealed within the filler bag. Consequently, at least some air will be removed from the filler, the filler bag and the impermeable bag. The impermeable bag is then hermetically sealed before removing the compressive force. In some embodiments, a press can be used for applying a compressive force on the exterior of the impermeable bag. In certain embodiments, the impermeable bag with the sealed filler bag therewithin can be rolled, for example like a sleeping bag, to remove at least some air from the filler, the filler bag and the impermeable bag. In some embodiments, at least some pressure may be applied while rolling. A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a rolled impermeable bag 60 containing the bag target 10 after at least some air has been evacuated from therewithin is illustrated in FIG. 4.

Since techniques, equipment and methods for creating a hermetic seal are well known in the art, related detailed description is considered not necessary.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, it may be desirable to decrease the pressure within the impermeable bag to approximately 3.0 psia. In some embodiments, the pressure within the impermeable bag may be less than or greater than 3.0 psia.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, it may be desirable to decrease the space occupied by the filler by approximately two-thirds. In certain embodiments, the space occupied by the filler may be decreased by more than or less than two-thirds.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, it may be desirable to decrease by two-thirds the space occupied by the sealed filler bag having the filler disposed therewithin. In certain embodiments, the space occupied by the sealed filler bag containing the filler may be decreased by more than or less than two-thirds.

For using the bag target 10 that has been hermetically sealed in the impermeable bag 50, the archer needs to permit air to enter the sealed filler bag and the filler therewithin. It is of course desirable to restore the bag target entirely or approximately to its original size prior to evacuating any air therefrom. In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the archer may break, e.g., cut, the hermetic seal. In certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the archer may puncture the hermetically sealed impermeable bag 50. In some embodiments, the archer may discard the impermeable bag after extracting the bag target 10 from therewithin. In certain embodiments, the archer may keep the bag target 10 in the impermeable bag even after breaking the hermetic seal. In some instances, the archer may shake or mechanically agitate to increase the rate at which air enters the filler bag and the filler.

Accordingly, it should be readily apparent that it would be desirable for the filler to have a relatively high air content so that the amount of occupied space can be significantly decreased after a substantive amount of air has been extracted or removed from it. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, it may be desirable to use a low density filler that is compressible and yet readily restores to the original, or approximately to the original, lofted size when air is permitted to enter through the shell of the filler bag in which it is sealed. Non-limiting exemplary filler material include strips of vinyl coated fiberglass, strands of vinyl coated fiberglass that are woven into a mat and then cut into strips of suitable lengths, recycled low density foam backed material, e.g., low density foam backed upholstery material, among others. It should be evident that the filler have significant durability.

Additionally, it should be readily apparent that the filler bag, i.e., the bag target 10, be made of a breathable or at least partially porous material or fabric so that air can be removed from or permitted to enter the interior of the bag target. In some embodiments, the filler bag may be made of a compliant material, In certain embodiments, at least the outer layer of the filler bag may be of a compliant material. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, it may be desirable for the weave of the fabric to be sufficiently flexible to allow a projectile, e.g., an arrow shaft or a bolt, to penetrate the fabric and also produce a substantial amount of friction to slow down the projectile. Non-limiting exemplary material for the filler bag include polyester, polypropylene, burlap, or nylon durable woven fabric. In some applications or environment, it may be desirable for the material or fabric of the filler bag be sufficiently durable.

Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of bag target 10 may be used for receiving and stopping projectiles. In archery, for instance, bag target 10 can be used for receiving and stopping projectiles such as, but not limited to, arrows and crossbow bolts. Accordingly, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bag target 10 is configured to absorb and/or dissipate all or a significant amount of the kinetic energy of the projectile. It is of course desirable for the bag target 10 to absorb and/or dissipate all the kinetic energy of the projectile and thereby prevent the projectile from traveling through the bag target 10 and exiting from the side opposite the side where it entered the bag target 10. In some embodiments, the bag target 10 is configured to absorb and/or dissipate a significant portion of the kinetic energy of the projectile such that a minimal portion, if any, of the projectile penetrates the side opposite the side where it entered the bag target 10.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the impermeable bag may be made of a polymer material.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment (not illustrated), a bag target is defined at least in part by a hermetically sealed impermeable bag having a filler disposed therewithin. A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing such a bag target, including preparing the bag target for storage, shipment, and display, includes providing an impermeable bag and a filler for the impermeable bag. The impermeable bag is filled with the filler, and at least some air is evacuated from the filler and from the interior of the impermeable bag. Thereafter, the impermeable bag is hermetically sealed to retain or contain the filler disposed therewithin, and the bag target is considered ready for storage, shipment, and display. The hermetically sealed impermeable bag inhibits air from entering the impermeable bag and the filler sealed within the impermeable bag.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, evacuating or extracting at least some air from the interior of the impermeable bag will create at least a partial vacuum therewith, and will therefore also draw out at least some air from the filler. Accordingly, evacuating any air from one or more of the filler and the interior of the impermeable bag will, at least partially, decrease the amount of space occupied by that component. Consequently, the amount of space required for, or occupied by, the hermetically sealed impermeable bag having the filler sealed therewithin, will be at least somewhat less than if no air had been evacuated or extracted from the filler or from the impermeable bag.

In certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments, at least some air is extracted by compressing the impermeable bag with the filler disposed therewithin. It will be apparent that compressing the impermeable bag from the exterior will also compress the filler disposed therewithin. Consequently, at least some air will be removed from the filler and from the impermeable bag. The impermeable bag is then hermetically sealed before removing the compressive force. In some embodiments, a press can be used for applying a compressive force on the exterior of the impermeable bag. In certain embodiments, the impermeable bag with the filler disposed therewithin can be rolled, for example like a sleeping bag, to remove at least some air from the filler and the impermeable bag. In some embodiments, at least some pressure may be applied while rolling.

As stated elsewhere, since techniques, equipment and methods for creating vacuum are well known in the art, related detailed description is considered not necessary. Also as stated elsewhere, since techniques, equipment and methods for creating a hermetic seal are well known in the art, related detailed description is considered not necessary.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, it may be desirable to decrease the pressure within the impermeable bag to approximately 3.0 psia. In some embodiments, the pressure within the impermeable bag may be less than or greater than 3.0 psia.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, it may be desirable to decrease the space occupied by the filler by approximately two-thirds. In certain embodiments, the space occupied by the filler may be decreased by more than or less than two-thirds.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, it may be desirable to decrease by two-thirds the space occupied by the hermetically sealed impermeable bag having the filler disposed therewithin. In certain embodiments, the space occupied by the hermetically sealed impermeable bag containing the filler may be decreased by more than or less than two-thirds.

As with bag target 10, non-limiting exemplary embodiments of bag targets that are defined at least in part by the hermetically sealed impermeable bag having the filler disposed therewithin, may be used for receiving and stopping projectiles. In archery, for instance, such bag targets may be used for receiving and stopping projectiles such as, but not limited to, arrows and crossbow bolts. Accordingly, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a bag target, defined at least in part by the hermetically sealed impermeable bag having the filler disposed therewithin, is configured to absorb and/or dissipate all or a significant amount of the kinetic energy of the projectile. It is of course desirable for the bag target to absorb and/or dissipate all the kinetic energy of the projectile and thereby prevent the projectile from traveling through the bag target and exiting from the side opposite the side where it entered the bag target. In some embodiments, the bag target is configured to absorb and/or dissipate a significant portion of the kinetic energy of the projectile such that a minimal portion, if any, of the projectile penetrates the side opposite the side where it entered the bag target.

In view thereof, modifications of and/or alternatives to the embodiments described herein may become apparent or obvious. All such variations are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. For instance, while reference may have been made to particular feature(s) and/or function(s), the disclosure is considered to also include embodiments configured for functioning and/or providing functionalities similar to those disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, the spirit, scope and intent of the instant disclosure is to embrace all such variations. The metes and bounds of the disclosure is solely defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bag target, comprising a sealed filler bag comprising a filler disposed therewithin, wherein the bag target dissipates essentially all of the kinetic energy of a projectile penetrating the filler bag.
 2. The bag target of claim 1, wherein evacuating at least some air from the filler substantively decreases a space occupied by the filler.
 3. The bag target of claim 2, wherein the filler is one or more of a compressible material, a high air content compressible material, a low density foam, and vinyl coated fiberglass strands.
 4. The bag target of claim 1, wherein evacuating at least some air from the filler bag substantively decreases a space occupied by the bag target.
 5. The bag target of claim 4, wherein the bag target is restored to approximately its original size when air is permitted to enter the filler bag.
 6. The bag target of claim 1, comprising an impermeable bag, wherein the impermeable bag is hermetically sealed after substantively decreasing a space occupied by the filler bag.
 7. The bag target of claim 1, wherein the filler bag is made of a breathable material; and at least the outer layer of the filler bag is made of a compliant material.
 8. A bag target, comprising a hermetically sealed impermeable bag comprising a filler disposed therewithin, wherein the bag target dissipates essentially all of the kinetic energy of a projectile penetrating the hermetically sealed impermeable bag. 